Amnesty International is calling for a full war crimes investigation into an April assault on the Zamzam displacement camp in North Darfur, Sudan, after documenting accounts of serious abuses carried out by the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF).

The new report, released Wednesday, adds to a growing body of evidence that both RSF fighters and the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) have committed violations throughout Sudan’s 30-month conflict. The war has devastated multiple regions, driven mass displacement, and plunged communities into severe hunger.

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RSF Assault on Zamzam: Amnesty Documents Civilian Abuse

According to Amnesty International, the April 11–13 attack on the famine-affected Zamzam camp occurred as the RSF tightened its siege on el-Fasher, the capital of North Darfur. In the months since, the RSF has seized full control of the state and continued advancing east toward West Kordofan, escalating humanitarian and security concerns.

The report states that during the two-day assault, RSF fighters:

• Used weapons in populated areas
• Fired without clear targets in residential zones
• Forced civilians to flee in large numbers
• Damaged homes, shelters, and essential structures

The operation triggered a massive displacement wave—an estimated 400,000 people fled the camp, seeking safety in nearby towns such as Tawila.

Witnesses interviewed by Amnesty described residents running for safety as gunfire, chaos, and fires spread throughout parts of the camp. Multiple civilians were reported killed while seeking shelter or attempting to evacuate.

“The RSF’s deliberate assault on desperate, hungry civilians in Zamzam camp showed a complete disregard for human life,” said Agnes Callamard, Amnesty International’s secretary-general.

“People were attacked, forced to abandon what little they had, and left without any access to justice.”

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Survivors Describe Chaos and Fear

Amnesty’s investigation is based on interviews with 29 survivors, witnesses, and family members, supported by video evidence and satellite imagery.

Residents described:

• RSF fighters firing in multiple directions without warning
• People being struck while inside homes, marketplaces, or communal buildings
• Homes and structures burned during the attack
• Widespread fear as families fled with no time to gather belongings

One witness said fighters fired continuously, causing widespread panic. Another described vehicles passing through the camp as shots were fired into the air and nearby areas.

Amnesty concluded that these actions may constitute indiscriminate attacks, which are prohibited under international humanitarian law. The organization also cited reports of additional violations such as looting and destruction of property.

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UAE Again Denies Allegations of Supporting RSF

The report reiterates long-standing allegations that the United Arab Emirates has supported the RSF—claims the UAE has repeatedly rejected. The UAE insists it has not provided weapons or funding to any party in the conflict.

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Conflict With No End in Sight

Since the war erupted in April 2023, the RSF and SAF have been locked in a violent struggle for control of Sudan, resulting in:

• Tens of thousands of deaths
• Nearly 12 million people displaced
• Critical shortages of food, healthcare, and shelter across multiple regions

Although the RSF announced a unilateral ceasefire in late 2025—part of a peace initiative by the “Quad” (Egypt, Saudi Arabia, UAE, and the United States)—clashes have continued. Analysts say neither side appears ready to end the conflict, leaving civilians trapped in an increasingly desperate situation.

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Amnesty Calls for Accountability

Amnesty International is urging immediate action from the international community, including:

• A comprehensive war crimes investigation
• Pressure on all armed parties to protect civilians
• Humanitarian access for displaced populations
• Accountability mechanisms to address widespread violations

With violence ongoing and displacement increasing, rights groups warn that Sudan is facing one of the world’s most severe humanitarian crises, with the situation in Darfur particularly alarming.